Ashland University is hosting its third annual bridal showcase on Feb. 6 on the campus.

This showcase differs from other bridal shows throughout Northeast Ohio as a result of its progressive and interactive format.

The night of events begins at 4:30 p.m. when guests can watch a mock wedding ceremony in the Jack and Deb Miller Chapel.

“It is a way really experience the night as if you’re a guest at your own wedding,” said event coordinator Ethan Crawford. “We always say that so brides can really get the full feel for all the amenities that we offer here for weddings.”

Following the ceremony, registered guests can enjoy a cocktail hour in Redwood Hall featuring appetizers and drinks before heading over to Upper Convo for a full reception along with stations featuring the themes and trends brides can expect to see throughout 2016.

22 different vendors will be present at the showcase including florists, photographers, health and beauty and local bridal companies including Juliana Bridal in Ashland, Kuhns Bridal & Formal Outlet in Mansfield, and Bridal and Formal Wear by B in Mansfield.

These bridal companies have constructed a fashion show with a selection of their bridal and bridesmaid gowns to showcase to the attendees.

“I can’t wait to see everything come together,” said Crawford. “Everything is on paper right now and it just makes my heart warm when everything comes together.”

Juliana Bridal, the bridal boutique that opened on Main Street in Ashland in 2014, is participating in the showcase for the second year in a row.

Owner of Juliana Bridal Jessica Neff says she really tries to cater to every bride and carries a variety of designs because she knows every bride is different and has their own unique style.

“I always look forward to meeting new brides,” said Neff. “That’s how we get our name out, that’s how we make a connection with these brides and that’s how we bring them into our store and let them know what we have to offer.”

Neff found participating in the bridal showcase to be a huge success for her growing business.

“Most of the girls that came in here they came to my rack, they pulled [a dress] out and said they saw it at the AU bridal show and they want to try it on,” said Neff. “I would say 100% of those girls bought that same dress.”

Neff’s booth will showcase what Juliana Bridal has to offer for brides and grooms including Alfred Angelo tuxedo collections, samples of swatches and a mannequin with a bridal dress on display.

Along with these modern bridal companies, the Ashland County Historical Society will also be showcasing 12 of their gowns ranging from the 1800s up to present day.

“I’m really excited to see the type of dresses they have,” said Neff. “They are from eras that we would never even get to see on media, let alone look and feel. They’re very delicate. I think it will be a very cool feature that they will have this year.”

Heading into its third year, the bridal show gives local businesses in the small town of Ashland an opportunity to showcase their styles as well as their passions for making every wedding day for every bride the best day of her life.

“It’s a good thing for Ashland, it’s a good thing for us local businesses because it lets people know we’re here and what we have to offer,” said Neff.